Georgia Governor could support casino bill
He said he would be in favour of a new legislation if a lottery funded program is not affected.
US.- Nathan Deal, Georgia’s Governor, said that he will likely be in favor of casino gambling if it doesn’t impact a state’s lottery funded scholarship program called HOPE. According to a new poll conducted by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, 56 percent of registered voters support the idea of legalising the casino industry in the state.
“We need to be absolutely certain that if a casino bill passes, it doesn’t adversely impact a lottery program for the state. That is the first big marker, to make sure that we don’t devastate what is probably perceived as the most successful lottery program in the country,” said Deal. State Senator Brandon Beach had indicated in previous opportunities that he’s likely to try to convince lawmakers that racetrack and casinos could help with the state budget.
This is not the first time that politicians try to legalise the industry in the state, and it is expected that Beach’s bill will meet opposition in the Legislature. Even though he expects a long fight, he said that his proposition would include a solution to a significant budget gap that the state is currently facing, and if the industry gets legalised, a lot of that money will help the economy and the education.
Even though the measure doesn’t need Deal’s signature, his support is important to casino advocates. The bill needs two-thirds support in the Legislature and then it would be voted by state residents in 2018. This year’s legislation would include a 20 percent tax on gambling and it would create a gambling commission based on the one from Nevada. The proposal would also include the construction of 5 casinos and one horse racing venue in Georgia. One of the casinos would be located in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport area, one of the country’s biggest airports.
